Our next Professional Learning Day for Special Needs Assistants takes place on Saturday the 5th of October commencing at 9.30am. The topic for the day is Trauma Informed Practice. Our guest speakers on the day are Lucy Mannion, Jen Treziak and Catriona O' Toole.

A recording of the event will be shared with all registrants 24hrs after the event. You will also receive a cert of attendance for 4.5hrs which can go towards your 72 hours.

Session 1: 9.30am - 10.45am

Understanding Trauma: Essential Guidance For Special Needs Assistants

This talk explores the nature, prevalence and impact of childhood trauma, drawing on the latest theory and research in the field. Content includes, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment disruption, community adversity, intergenerational trauma. We will also explore how trauma shows up in the classroom; how it impacts
children’s learning, behaviour, social and emotional development and sense of self.

We consider the role of significant adults, most notably Special Needs Assistants, in creating the conditions necessary for healing and resilience.

Trigger warning: This talk features emotionally difficult content

Presenter: Catriona O' Toole

Catriona O’Toole is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Professor at Maynooth University Department of Education. She specialises in trauma-informed practice in education, student and educator wellbeing, and barriers to school attendance and participation.

An experienced educator, practitioner and internationally award winning author, she is recognised for her contributions to both research and practice. Catriona’s research has led to collaborations with international organisations, including the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) and national charities like, Kyrie Therapeutic Farm, and Alcohol Action Ireland, with whom she developed a bespoke website www.traumainformededucation.ie

Catriona is Chair of the Education and Policy Committee and Member of Executive Board with the International Network for School Attendance (INSA). She is Link Convenor of the Health and Wellbeing Education Network with the European Educational Research Association. At local level, she is a representative on Kildare Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC). Her research has received funding from multiple sources including the Irish Research Council, Tusla, The Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Limerick CYPSC, and Schools for Health in Europe Network Foundation.

Session 2: 11am - 12.15pm

Building Secure Relationships: Supporting SNAs with Attachment-Based Approaches

This talk will explore how Special Needs Assistants can work relationally with children who have different attachment styles, building on prior knowledge about attachment disruption and its effects on learning and behaviour. Attendees will learn how to recognise characteristics of secure attachment and various insecure attachment styles, such as avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganised.

We will explore practical strategies tailored to each attachment style, helping SNAs foster positive relationships and support emotional and behavioural development in children. Additionally, we will emphasise the importance of collaborating with families to support the development of secure attachments between parents and children.

Presenter: Lucy Mannion

Lucy is the Director of TINT Education (Trauma-Informed, Neuroinclusive, Therapeutic Education). With an extensive background in education, psychology, and psychotherapy, Lucy has held senior leadership roles in sector-leading therapeutic schools across London, where she worked within multidisciplinary teams of educators and clinicians. Upon returning to Ireland, Lucy founded TINT Education with the mission of cultivating trauma-informed, neuroinclusive, and attachment-based practices in Irish schools. Drawing on her rich experience as a teacher, Lucy aims to bridge the gap between education and psychology by providing practical, evidence-based strategies that can be feasibly integrated into school environments. She regularly develops and delivers both online and in-person training workshops on these vital topics, helping educators foster nurturing, supportive learning spaces.

Session 3: 12.45 - 2pm

Sensory Strategies for Trauma-Sensitive Support

• Understanding the connection between trauma and sensory dysregulation
• Sensory Grounding Techniques 
• Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment:
• Using Movement-Based Sensory Activities:
• Incorporating Sensory Tools for Emotional Regulation
• Building Trust Through Sensory Awareness

Presenter: Jen Treziak

Jen Trzeciak is a highly experienced, Coru registered Occupational Therapist specialising in mental health. With over 20 years of service in the NHS, private, and third sector organisations, Jen has developed a rich background in delivering tailored mental health interventions and facilitating mental health awareness workshops and training programs.

In 2021, Jen founded Way Ahead Therapy to offer flexible, personalised support and training solutions for individuals and organisations alike. She works one-to-one with teenagers and
adults facing challenges related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, stress, and low self- esteem. In addition to her clinical work, Jen delivers mental health training in schools and community settings, empowering others with the knowledge and tools to improve well- being and foster resilience.